Professional Company Secretary

Annual Return

Even if the business does not trade during the year the company must submit an Annual Return to Companies House without fail at the company's year-end. Failure to file the Annual Return can result in the company being struck off. Inexpert handling of this job is one of the most common causes of wrong Share allocations, which can be financially damaging. To make sure that this job is done on time and correctly appoint Ordered Management as Company Secretary.

Contract

Your guarantee of service is assured by our Service Contract, which is issued for each Company Secretary appointment.

Accounts

We are not Accountants. To ensure that your company accounts are prepared correctly and to your best tax advantage we advise you to appoint a competent Accountant. If you need help we may be able to refer you to one of the Accountants on our list. However, we can help with "Dormant Company Accounts" if the company has not been actively trading. Make sure you tell us if the company has not traded.

Accountants

To help us give you the best possible service tell us which firm of Accountants will handle your company's tax affairs. We will then cooperate with them to keep your company compliant on all possible fronts.

Companies House

As a client for our Company Secretary service you may still receive some correspondence direct from Companies House. Our software ensures that we keep up-to-date with Companies House deadlines, so most of their letters arrive AFTER we have already taken the required action. However, if in doubt just tell us about the letter. As Company Secretary we regard it as our responsibility to keep Companies House "off your back".

Requirements

To appoint Ordered Management Ltd or its subsidiary as Company Secretary you need to -
1. Tell us about existing directors, shareholders and other beneficiaries of the company.
2. Provide proofs of ID and residential address for each director and beneficiary.
3. Provide full contact information (telephone, fax and/or email).
4. Pay our Annual Fee.
5. Provide information to enable us to maintain the Company Register.
6. Provide ID and address verification to meet the government's compliance laws.

Since 6th April 2008, it is no longer mandatory for a private company to have a Company Secretary...

But this change in the law did not abolish the Company Secretary's title, role, or any of the forms a Secretary is responsible to file! This is still a significant job and there are serious risks and potential penalties for failing to keep Compnaies House updated about your company. If there is no Company Secretary the Director is obliged to accept these responsibilities. But filling in forms does not earn you any money; in fact it diverts your attention away from your primary business. The solution is easy; appoint an expert to do the job for you...

Make sure that your company is properly maintained by appointing Ordered Management to do the job.

Forming a Limited Company

Register a Private Company Limited by Shares (the normal choice for most types of business).

Limited Liability Partnership

Register a Limited Liablility Partnership (ideal for consultants and professionals)

Community Interest Company (CIC)

This relatively new type of company provides a lighter format for social enterprises that don't want the full burden of administering a registered charity. The company is registered with Companies House and the CIC Regulator.

Read about Community Interest Companies (CIC).

Contact Information
The Director(s) must inform Ordered Management of changes to contact information. If mail or other correspondence is returned undelivered we may have to resign.

Responsibility
Ordered Management will countersign approved documents under the Director's instructions. We will not become involved in the affairs of the company or take responsibility for commercial contracts or any trade matters. We rely on the Director(s) providing correct, up-to-date information to maintain the Company Register.

Obsolete?

The new Companies Act, which comes into effect during 2008, changes the rules so that it will no longer be mandatory for a small company to appoint a Company Secretary; but don't make the mistake of thinking that the role will become obsolete. Companies House has not abolished any of the standard forms or reports. The Company Secretary's job still exists. Someone has to take responsibility for all those forms. Make sure that your company is properly maintained... ask Ordered Management to do the job.